Police: Family kept 80 animals in Ephrata mobile home

EPHRATA, Pa. - Police in Lancaster County said Tuesday they charged three adults after finding them living inside a mobile home with a small child, two other people and more than 80 animals.

Ephrata Police said they filed charges of endangering the welfare of children against Pearl Marie Herman, 24, and her husband William Lee Herman, 24, both of Harrisburg; and his father, Robert Paul Herman Sr., 55, of Ephrata. William Herman was charged with 68 counts and Robert Herman with one count of animal cruelty.

Lt. Thomas Shumaker said the 1-year-old is the child of Pearl and William Herman. Two other members of the family were living in the home but were not charged.

The animals - which included turtles, potbellied pigs, chickens, exotic birds, ducks, cats and dogs - defecated throughout the home, and some needed veterinary care, Shumaker said. The home was condemned.